London's Best Christmas Markets and Winter Events

From riverside chalets to a vast winter fairground, London goes all out at Christmas. Festive markets pop up across the city from mid-November, selling mulled wine, street food and handmade gifts, while famous shopping streets light up and seasonal ice rinks appear at historic landmarks. This guide covers the best markets and winter events, the city's Christmas lights and practical tips for a festive trip.

2026 dates at a glance

Dates as published by the organisers or reported in October 2026. Check each event's website before you go.

1. Southbank Centre Winter Market

Wooden chalets line the river between the London Eye and the Southbank Centre, serving mulled wine, hot chocolate, raclette and street food, alongside crafts and gifts. There are views across the Thames to Westminster and the Houses of Parliament. It's free to enter and easy to combine with a walk along the South Bank.

Wooden chalets line the river, fairy lights twinkle and the smell of raclette and mulled wine drifts along the Thames.

2. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

London's biggest festive event, with Christmas markets, fairground rides, a huge ice rink, circus and ice shows, a big wheel and dozens of food and drink stalls. Entry may require timed tickets at busy times – book in advance for weekends – and rides and shows cost extra. It's best for families during the day and lively in the evenings.

Rides, an ice rink, circus shows and Bavarian beer halls – noisy, bright and exciting.

3. Leicester Square Christmas Market

A compact market in the heart of the West End, with chalets, a small fairground and festive food, close to theatres, Covent Garden and the lights of Regent Street. It's convenient before or after a show.

Twinkling lights, small stalls and a festive cabaret tent in the heart of the West End.

4. Covent Garden

Not a traditional market, but the giant Christmas tree in the piazza, the huge decorations in the historic Market Building, street performers and shops make it one of the most festive spots in London. The Apple Market and Jubilee Market sell crafts and gifts all year.

A giant Christmas tree, enormous baubles hanging from the market hall and street performers entertaining the crowds.

5. Greenwich Market

This covered market sells crafts, art, gifts and international street food. Combine it with a walk in Greenwich Park for views over the city, a visit to the Cutty Sark and the Royal Observatory, and a riverboat back to central London.

Crafts, food stalls and gifts under the old covered market, with the maritime buildings nearby.

6. Christmas lights

Oxford Street, Regent Street and Carnaby Street put on spectacular light displays, usually switched on in early to mid-November. Illuminated trails in places such as Kew Gardens light up the gardens in the evenings – book these in advance, as they sell out.

Oxford Street, Regent Street and Carnaby Street glow with lights, and the windows of the department stores are works of art.

7. Ice skating

Seasonal ice rinks appear at landmarks such as Somerset House and the Natural History Museum, and in parks and squares around the city. Each year's line-up varies, so check which rinks are running and book a slot, especially for evenings and weekends.

Skate in the courtyard of Somerset House or beneath the Natural History Museum, with music playing and lights twinkling.

More festive things to do in London

• Carol concerts: churches across the city hold carol services and candlelit concerts in December – Westminster Abbey, St Paul's Cathedral and St Martin-in-the-Fields are among the most atmospheric. Some services are free but popular, so arrive early.
• Department store windows: the Christmas windows at the big department stores on Oxford Street, Regent Street and in Knightsbridge are elaborate displays in their own right.
• Pantomime and shows: a pantomime is a very British Christmas tradition – loud, silly and great fun for families. West End shows also have festive runs.
• Trafalgar Square tree: every year, Norway sends a large Christmas tree to London as a thank-you for Britain's support during the Second World War. It stands in Trafalgar Square, with carol singing in the evenings.
• Palaces at Christmas: historic royal palaces such as Hampton Court decorate for the season and sometimes host festive events and ice rinks.

When to go

Most markets and events open between mid-November and late November and run until around Christmas or early January – check each one's dates, as some close on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Late November and early December are usually less crowded than the week before Christmas. Note that public transport runs a reduced service on Christmas Eve and does not run on Christmas Day.

Tips

• Go on weekday afternoons to avoid the biggest crowds; evenings and weekends are busiest.
• Pay contactless: almost all stalls accept cards and phone payments.
• Dress warmly: London winters are damp and chilly – layers and waterproof shoes help.
• Use public transport: driving and parking in central London are expensive, and many markets are next to Tube stations.
• Book ahead: timed tickets for Winter Wonderland, Kew's light trail and ice rinks sell out.
• Go further: for more festive trips, see our guide to Europe's most charming Christmas markets, and combine London with a trip to Canterbury or Bath, both of which hold Christmas markets too.